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4.03 AVERAGE
4.03 AVERAGE
Micah Tuttle has lived with his grandfather for most of his life, because his parents passed away when he was small. But now his grandfather is sick and his life is being run by mean Aunt Gertrudis. Luckily, Grandpa Ephraim has an ace up his sleeve: he is owed a miracle by the Lightbender from the magical Circus Mirandus. Micah just knows that if he can get the Lightbender to his grandfather that he will be able to cure him. But will he make it in time and get past Aunt Gertrudis?
We listened to the audiobook on a long car ride, and I think my husband and I enjoyed the story more that our kids did. Reminded me of a cross between any Roald Dahl book, the Night Circus, and Big Fish - all good things, in my opinion. The characters are a bit flat, the plot a bit predictable, but the story is charming and full of whimsy nonetheless.
Such a delightful book about a special relationship between a Grandfather & his grandson. I wish the aunt had more redeeming qualities or there was somehow some closure to the relationship, I would recommend this to others.
Phenomenal book to read with your kids. Brennan and I were equally caught up in the magic.
A dying grandfather, his grandson and his friend all see the magical circus and hope that it will cure the grandfather. This has been on a lot of favorites list but it never hooked me. I found it incredibly slow and even though there is a fantasy element, it doesn't win me over. I don't see kids sticking with this book.
If you are reading a library copy of the hardcover, make sure you peek under the dust jacket-- there is a beautiful illustration under there, only part of which shows through the hat-shaped hole.
Miracles can happen! Cassie Beasley proves this with her first novel and I cannot wait to follow her career. This book is truly magical. From the first few pages I was drawn in, completely entranced by circus Miranda's and Micah's story. I cannot think of one improvement to be made. This is my favorite book of the year. If you've read 'the night circus,' by Erin Morganstern, you will see some similarities but on the whole this book stands alone in YA and middle grade books. A must read, not just for kids and young adults, it is a great book for adults who like a little magic in their lives too.
I listened to this as an audiobook and really enjoyed Bronson Pinchot’s narration!
It’s probably more of a 3.5 Star but I always round up! 😉
This is a magical coming of age story. I really enjoyed the descriptions of Circus Mirandis and the whole concept of keeping magic alive with children.
The past and present story telling allows you to really follow along with Micah and his journey as he discovers more about his grandfather. There were a few moments that didn’t completely flow but for the most part I felt like the story had a great pace!
I didn’t love the character of Aunt Gertrude and I think that’s the point. I liked the fact that there was a reason for her behavior from her past, however, I was disappointed that she wasn’t offered some amount of redemption.
The character of Victoria was also frustrating as she was so unlikable. I think it would have been fine for her to be more of a villain but the fact that Ephraim falls in love with her feels completely impossible and I would have liked to have seen her written in a way that would make sense for him to love her even with flaws.
The character of Jenny is great! She’s smart and wants a reason/answer for everything and the answer being magic is hard for her but she is able to grow and accept it. Her support of Micah is so sweet and it is always encouraging to see kids helping each other.
Recommend: 9 and up; death is the center of the story which, depending on the reader, it could be very traumatic; there is good focus on the a healthy relationship between Micah and his grandparents; Micah discovers he is special and he is brave enough to try something new; Jenny is very supportive of Micah and helps him to never give up.
It’s probably more of a 3.5 Star but I always round up! 😉
This is a magical coming of age story. I really enjoyed the descriptions of Circus Mirandis and the whole concept of keeping magic alive with children.
The past and present story telling allows you to really follow along with Micah and his journey as he discovers more about his grandfather. There were a few moments that didn’t completely flow but for the most part I felt like the story had a great pace!
I didn’t love the character of Aunt Gertrude and I think that’s the point. I liked the fact that there was a reason for her behavior from her past, however, I was disappointed that she wasn’t offered some amount of redemption.
The character of Victoria was also frustrating as she was so unlikable. I think it would have been fine for her to be more of a villain but the fact that Ephraim falls in love with her feels completely impossible and I would have liked to have seen her written in a way that would make sense for him to love her even with flaws.
The character of Jenny is great! She’s smart and wants a reason/answer for everything and the answer being magic is hard for her but she is able to grow and accept it. Her support of Micah is so sweet and it is always encouraging to see kids helping each other.
Recommend: 9 and up; death is the center of the story which, depending on the reader, it could be very traumatic; there is good focus on the a healthy relationship between Micah and his grandparents; Micah discovers he is special and he is brave enough to try something new; Jenny is very supportive of Micah and helps him to never give up.